A quick look into BL (Boy’s Love) -It’s History, Tropes and Themes and Impact

BL (Boys' Love) originated in Japan in the late 1970s and early 1980s, initially as a subgenre of shoujo manga, which is aimed at young girls. The first BL manga to gain widespread popularity was Moto Hagio's "Heart of Thomas," which explored a forbidden romance between two boys at a boarding school.

Since then, BL has grown into a distinct genre with its own conventions and fanbase, and has expanded to include anime, light novels, and visual novels. Today, BL is popular not just in Japan, but around the world, and has even influenced other media such as K-pop and fanfiction.

Themes and Tropes:

Like any genre, BL has its own set of recurring themes and tropes. Some common ones include:

• Forbidden love: Many BL stories focus on romances that are taboo or forbidden in some way, such as relationships between students and teachers or between members of rival gangs.
• Power dynamics: BL often explores power dynamics within relationships, such as differences in age, social status, or physical strength.
• Coming of age: BL stories frequently feature young protagonists who are coming to terms with their own sexuality and identity.
• Drama: BL often incorporates drama and angst into its stories, with themes of love, loss, and betrayal.

Despite these common themes, BL is a diverse genre that can encompass a wide range of stories and styles. Some BL works are light-hearted and comedic, while others are dark and emotionally intense.

Impact on Popular Culture:

BL has had a significant impact on popular culture both in Japan and around the world. In Japan, BL has become a major industry, with dedicated magazines, events, and merchandise catering to fans of the genre.

Outside of Japan, BL has gained a passionate following, with many fans creating fanart, fanfiction, and other fanworks inspired by their favorite BL stories. BL has also influenced other media, such as K-pop, which frequently features male idols in homoerotic situations, and Western media such as the TV show "Queer as Folk" and the film "Brokeback Mountain."

However, BL has also been criticized by some for perpetuating harmful stereotypes and fetishizing same-sex relationships. Critics have argued that BL can reinforce gender norms and promote a limited view of homosexuality as a fetish rather than a legitimate form of love and attraction.

Conclusion:

BL is a complex and multifaceted genre that has had a significant impact on popular culture. While it has faced criticism for its portrayal of same-sex relationships, it has also provided a space for LGBTQ+ individuals to explore their own identities and relationships in a supportive and accepting environment. Whether you are a fan of the genre or a newcomer looking to explore, BL offers a rich and diverse landscape of stories and themes to discover.